Township Manager Dan Carlton said hopes are the new authority will become an economic development tool helping the municipality fill a growing number of empty storefronts.

While Class C liquor licenses can only be approved by the state, the township in 1996 lost its authority to recommend their approval after voters rejected a similar proposal tied to the development of the Wallinwood Country Club.

"The last time it was more about Wallinwood," Carlton said. "This time it was more about the ability to have restaurants in general."

Carlton speculated residents may have felt more comfortable with the proposal this time around because they had an outline for what kind of establishments would be allowed to serve liquor. The township in 2008 approved an ordinance specifying establishments must prove at least half their sales come from food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Under state law, the township could issue 28 liquor licenses based on a 2000 census population of about 42,000 residents. Carlton added the Township Board will only issue liquor licenses after careful review of applications to insure they comply with zoning ordinances.

"At this point the board has the authority in place so if someone wants to come in and apply the board will evaluate the request and make a decision," Carlton said. "This is one more opportunity for the owner of a vacant building to consider as a potential business."